CSI & Forensic Science Advanced Diploma

Course details

Students will have the opportunity to examine real 'mock' crime scenes. Crime scenes will range from indoor crime scenes to outdoor crime scenes. Once you collect the evidence at the crime scene in your designated CSI team made up of class peers, you will be expected to present a statement in a court room environment based on the particular case. By attending a real mock crime scene, this will allow you apply theory learned in the classroom to practice.

The CSI Crime Scene Investigation part of the course examines the preservation, documentation and collection of evidence at the crime scene. You will learn how to approach the crime scene, package the evidence and the documentation required. You will learn crime scene investigation methods including examining trace evidence, impressions, Body Fluids, DNA, questioned documents, and fingerprints are examined as well as the investigation of a fire scene and firearms.

The life of a real Crime Scene Investigator is examined as well as methods and procedures used in attending crime scenes. Students will be trained how to use a Forensic CSI Kit which will include: Protective Clothing, CSI Tape to preserve crime scene, Evidence bags, Cards, Swabs and finger print powder. Each student will then be required to attend a mock crime scene and collect evidence.

Assessment:

You will be assessed on how you processed a mock crime scene, on how you collected and recorded evidence. Mistakes can easily be made under time pressure and you will need to be well prepared going into the sealed crime scene. You will be expected to deconstruct and reconstruct the crime scene, building up an insight into the case, and present the evidence in the form of a ‘statement’.The statement will explain how you processed the crime scene and will state where the evidence was found. This statement is presented by you in a court room environment and you will be cross examined by a barrister. Clarity and confidence in delivering factual information based on your recorded notes will be required while under pressure of cross examination.

Entry & Progression:

Applicants from various levels of work experience and qualifications are accepted on this course. Graduates can pursue further study in areas such as Law, Social work, Biological Sciences, Community work, Crime Prevention, and Sociology.

Modules

Topics:

• Introduction to Forensic Science
• Crime Scene Types & The Crime Scene
• Trace and Contact Evidence: fibres, glass, hairs, paint and soil
• Impressions: Footwear marks, instrument marks, glove marks and tyres, fingerprints
• Body Fluids Examination, Tests, BPA
• Analysis of DNA: DNA Profiling
• Questioned Documents
• Drugs of Abuse & Forensic Toxicology
• Forensic Pathology & Forensic Human Identification
• The investigation of a fire scene
• Firearms
• Explosions & Explosives
• Attend Mock Crime Scene- Collect Evidence
• Forensic Science in Court – Part 1 & 2
• Attend Court & Present Statement
• Forensic Strategy & Crime Scene Management